Efficient Inter Terminal Container Transport using Amphibious Vehicles - A Simulation Approach

In the 21st century, maritime landscape is confronted with issues such as congestion and delays due to the ever increasing maritime trade volumes. This thesis explores the possibility of utilizing the concept of amphibious vehicles as a potential solution to address the issue of congestion and enabling the autonomous container terminal operations. For this research, an agent based model is developed to study the impact of amphibious vehicles on space optimization and reduction of material handling equipment within a given port region. The study analyses the performance of the proposed concept over several key performance indicators such as time taken by a handling equipment from origin to destination, container throughput, handling equipment fleet size and container demand fulfilment rate. The developed simulation model is then applied to the chosen case study of the port of Rotterdam. Additionally, the study also performs a sensitivity analysis to simulate how container demand variations affects the efficiency of logistic chains with these amphibious vehicles. This thesis highlights the effect of these amphibious vehicles on tackling problems faced by container terminals due to increased global trade. Through an extensive analysis of existing literature and developed model, this thesis provides valuable insights into the future of container terminal operations.
Mechanical Engineering | Multi-Machine Engineering